Misery for 11th-placed Michael Schumacher as Mercedes fall way off the pace

Michael Schumacher cut a depressed figure after a miserable start to the new Formula One season that fell way below his expectations.

Just two days ago Schumacher expressed confidence that Mercedes would be in a group behind Red Bull, fighting for podiums and potentially wins.

But following qualifying for tomorrow's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Schumacher will start from a miserable 11th on the grid behind a Sauber and a Toro Rosso.

Way off the pace: Michael Schumacher's Mercedes finished 11th

Suggested to the seven-times world champion such a scenario was not what he was expecting, a terse Schumacher replied: 'Correct.'

Asked to explain why, Schumacher was equally as abrupt as he said: 'Not at the moment. No.'Pressed on the matter, the 42-year-old said: 'We're not exactly where we want to be, but we don't know the reasons as to why.

'We have various theories, but we have to analyse and understand, and then take the necessary actions.'

Appreciably deflated, Schumacher added: 'Clearly that was not an ideal start to the season. I cannot deny that I am disappointed.

'From our testing experience, we were around the pace of Ferrari, however this did not translate today.